Edward Cabrera's latest rehab start was a major step in the right direction, and the Cubs could have their right-handed starter back at a critical point in the 2026 season.
Right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera last pitched for the Chicago Cubs on June 23 before landing on the IL with a left hamstring strain.
Prior to the injury, Cabrera's month of June left a lot to be desired. In four starts, he completed 18.1 innings with an 8.35 ERA, raising his season ERA to 5.10.
That's not exactly what the Cubs signed up for when they traded top outfield prospect Owen Caissie for Cabrera in the offseason. But even then, it was clear that the deal wouldn't come without risk. Cabrera had a history of injuries and had never produced at an elite level in five MLB seasons.
Still, the arm talent is clearly there. And while Cabrera might have been underwhelming at the beginning of the season, he'll still be a critical member of the Chicago Cubs, both in 2026 and in the future. His contract runs through 2028, and as the Cubs look to build their starting rotation into one capable of being a legitimate World Series contender, Cabrera figures to be part of the equation.
Which is why it's so encouraging to see Cabrera back on the mound and throwing well at any level. His most recent rehab start was a good indication that he's ready to return and could still be a contributing arm for the Cubs down the stretch of the 2026 season.
Cabrera's first rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa on July 31 didn't go well. He surrendered three earned runs in just 1.2 innings pitched. But on August 5, he settled in, throwing four innings while allowing one hit and zero earned runs and recording eight strikeouts.
He was even better on Tuesday night, pitching in Double-A for the Knoxville Smokies and throwing five hitless and scoreless innings with one walk and seven strikeouts.
Cabrera raised his pitch count to 64 in his most recent rehab outing and could be ready to rejoin the Cubs this weekend when his spot in the rotation rolls back around.
That would give the Cubs an active rotation of Matthew Boyd, who has thrown like an ace recently, trade deadline acquisitions Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes, Shota Imanaga, and Cabrera. There's also David Peterson, who has a respectable 4.03 ERA in seven starts since joining the organization.
Cabrera is on the mend, and if his most recent rehab start was any indication, he's back to his best self. It comes at a critical time for the Cubs as they look to hunt down the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central standings.
